Venice has been one of the top travel destinations for tourists and backpackers for a long while, but it seems that tourists visiting the city will now have to be restricted by the government at some points due to the constant damage they leave on its citizens and environment.
Venice is a beautiful and diverse place to travel to. To specify this statement it would be enough to just say that there is nowhere else in the world where you can open a door and find canoes floating right by your step. The city’s attractions are like no other, but sadly these various things were what pushed the city to put further restrictions on tourists.
Firstly, the government of Venice has announced that tourist walking groups will be limited to a maximum of 25 people and that the use of loudspeakers will be banned. These are the government’s latest efforts to stand their ground over mass tourism. Tourist groups will also be prohibited from walking in narrow streets and bridges and anywhere that may disturb the locals and slow the flow. The statement precisely stated “Groups cannot exceed 25 people, or about half the capacity of a tourist bus. The use of loudspeakers that may cause confusion and disturbance will also be prohibited.”.
Venice’s website said that the new restrictions will be in force in the historic center as well as the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello starting June 2024. The resolution will have to pass through the City Council first before being put into practice. Security councillor Elisabetta Pesce expressed her opinions on the possible development as “an important measure aimed at improving the management of groups” while also “promoting sustainable tourism and guarenteeing the protection and safety of the city.” Museums in Venice have already been limited to 25 people. “The move is part of a broader framework of interventions aimed at improving tourism management in Venice, striking a better balance between the needs of the residents and those of the visitors.” said the city’s tourism councillor, Simone Venturini.
The new rules will be applied starting June 1st 2024, nearly two months after the beginning of a trial visitors fee. The fee is for those who come to visit the city for a day, also called as a day trippers fee and it costs €5 ($5.40). The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) suggested that Venice should be added to its heritage danger list in July. UNESCO also called the Italian government to “ensure the utmost dedication” to address “long-standing problems” in the city.
This popular and iconic tourist destination has been battling with having too many tourists and the effects of climate change for a while now but it looks as all the bad effects these situations caused on the city are only now starting to come out to the surface.
Works Cited
CNN, Venice restricts tourist groups, Accessed 9 Jan. 2024
Euronews, Venice bans large groups and loud speakers to make life better for locals, Accessed 10 Jan. 2024